Our view: Good job, Breanna

Published: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013 5:30 a.m. CST

The Northwest Herald Editorial Board offers this week’s thumbs up and thumbs down:

Thumbs up: To Cary-Grove High School sophomore Breanna Bogucki, who along with students and staff, filmed a music video Monday at the school. She was the 2012 winner of the Special Talents America competition and recorded a song written especially for her by Jim Peterik of Survivor and The Ides of March. In the song the teen, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and high-functioning autism, sang about not taking advantage of others and using words carefully – a message we all need to be reminded of from time to time. Applause also goes to Cary-Grove for allowing the video to be filmed there, and Greg Bizzaro, head of Special Talents America and Jaffe Films, who donated his time and equipment to the endeavor.

Thumbs down: To a new state report that indicates that the number of children killed by abuse or neglect in the past year is the most in a quarter century. According to the data, 94 of 223 child deaths that were investigated between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013, involved evidence of abuse or neglect, with 45 cases still to be determined. In this era of heightened awareness, there’s no excuse for these high numbers. Citizens who witness or suspect neglect or abuse must report it to the proper authorities. Those who suspect abuse can call the state hotline at 800-252-2873.

Thumbs up: To the 676 participants in the Run for Jodi, a benefit for former Woodstock North cross country coach Bruce Farris’ wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. The benefit, which took place Aug. 3, raised $40,000 for the National MS Society.

Thumbs down: To more Illinois corruption news after the indictment of former Illinois Department of Public Health chief of staff Quinshaunta Jordan, who is charged with accepting $433,000 in kickbacks for steering about $13 million in grant and contract money to toward specific groups. Golden became the 13th person indicted in a continuing investigation into grant and contract fraud within the state. Among other things, Golden, who is charged with bribery, mail fraud and obstruction of justice, is accused of pocketing money from grants for breast and prostate cancer programs and HIV/AIDS awareness.